Importance of nurturing Urinary Bladder: Expert tips to prevent UTIs, bladder cancer

Our urinary bladder, often overlooked but essential, plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. It's responsible for storing and expelling urine, a process vital for eliminating waste and toxins from our bodies. To shed light on the importance of bladder health and the lifestyle changes necessary to protect it, Republic Digital had an informative conversation with Dr. Gutta Srinivas, Sr. Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, who serves as the Clinical Director of the Department of Urology.

2 things you need to know

• Hydration is key for a healthy urinary system.
• Fibre-rich foods aid in bladder health maintenance.

Common Bladder Problems and Risk Factors

Dr. Gutta Srinivas began by discussing the most prevalent urinary bladder problems: urinary tract infection (UTI), overactive bladder (OAB), and bladder cancer. He also outlined the risk factors associated with each condition. For UTIs, factors include extremes of age, genitourinary abnormalities, diabetes, kidney stones, and poor genital hygiene. OAB is linked to ageing, constipation, smoking, aerated drinks, infections, and diabetes. Smoking and industrial chemical exposure are key risk factors for bladder cancer. 

(Basic precautions to maintain in UTI | Image: Very Well/Website)

Healthy Habits to Safeguard Your Bladder

Dr. Srinivas then shared eight essential habits to reduce the risk of urinary bladder problems:

Adequate Water Intake

Staying hydrated is crucial for bladder health. Drinking enough water helps flush toxins out of your system and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.

Fibre-Rich Diet

Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your meals. Fibre-rich foods promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can irritate the bladder.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity supports overall health and can help maintain proper bladder function.

Limit Salt Intake

High salt intake can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate bladder problems.

Moderate Caffeine

Excessive tea, coffee, and cola consumption can irritate the bladder. Moderation is key.

Say No to Aerated Beverages

Carbonated drinks like cola can be harsh on the bladder lining. Opt for healthier beverage choices.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is linked to bladder cancer and can worsen bladder symptoms.

Manage Diabetes

Good control of diabetes mellitus is essential for bladder health.

Managing Bladder Problems

In case urinary bladder issues arise, Dr. Srinivas emphasised the importance of managing them effectively:

1. Ensure good hydration while adjusting fluid intake for overactive bladder patients.

2. Maintain a healthy diet.

3. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and tobacco.

4. Maintain strict control over diabetes.

Dietary Changes for Improved Bladder Health

Finally, Dr. Srinivas recommended specific dietary modifications to promote bladder health:

- Limit consumption of non-vegetarian foods.

- Increase dietary fibre through whole fruits and vegetables.

- Reduce salt intake.

- Steer clear of junk food and highly processed items.

- Minimise sugar consumption.

Incorporating these lifestyle changes into your daily routine can go a long way in preserving the health of your urinary bladder and preventing related problems. Expert advice serves as a valuable guide to maintaining a robust and healthy bladder, ensuring your overall well-being remains a top priority.